CHAPTER 165: CHAPTER 166: YOU WILL NEVER BE MY TROUBLE

"It depends on which woman I’m accompanying for shopping and hairstyling."

If it were her, he wouldn’t be annoyed. Even if she spent a whole day on her hair, he would just quietly watch her without feeling irritated, only content.

She didn’t know that after searching for her for so many years, she was his lost-and-found treasure, the most beautiful scenery he could never tire of watching.

"Brother, you’re so kind. I envy my future sister-in-law," she said deliberately.

Seeing her bright smile, Noah Phillips averted his gaze, took a heavy drag from the cigarette in his hand, and didn’t continue the conversation.

Sienna Johnson wasn’t a woman who understood nothing. Of course, she had noticed Noah’s feelings for her. But the moment she had Curly Baby and decided to find a husband to marry into her family, their romantic destiny was over. No, it had ended even earlier—when they were taken from the Orphanage by different families and separated. Her brother, Drew, deserved a better woman. Since it was impossible, there was no need to give each other hope. She was just that kind of woman—rational to the point of being cold.

Seeing her sitting in the passenger seat like a lazy cat, he couldn’t help but ask curiously, "Feeling nervous?"

"I am a bit nervous, but I’m more looking forward to the drama that’s about to unfold." Sienna turned her head, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him.

"It’s your birthday party tonight, and you’ll be making your first appearance as the Johnson Family’s heiress in Sileria City’s social circles. I’m sure you’ll be the center of attention. Baby, are you ready to face all kinds of speculation, doubt, malicious or lustful gazes, or looks of contempt and jealousy?"

After all, she was only a twenty-two-year-old girl, and Noah worried she wouldn’t be able to handle the pressure.

"Let them look however they want; that’s their business. What does it have to do with me?" Sienna glanced at him. "My purpose isn’t to get their approval."

Her view on life is certainly formidable, he thought.

"Haven’t you heard the saying? ’You’re not a dollar; you can’t expect everyone to like you!’" Sienna recalled a popular phrase.

"That’s true."

Sienna smiled wickedly. "...Tonight, some people are waiting for me to make a fool of myself. Unfortunately for them, they’re destined to be disappointed."

Not only will I not make a fool of myself, but I’ll also shine like the sun, dazzlingly bright. Sabrina, you will forever live in my shadow!

"Your mother and that sister with no blood ties?" Noah asked.

"They’re the ones out in the open. Who knows how many others are lurking in the shadows? But I’m not afraid of them. I’ll deal with whatever they throw at me. Let all those little fiends come at me!" she declared.

Noah couldn’t help but laugh. "It sounds like you’re not going to a birthday party tonight, but to a battlefield!"

"It *is* a battlefield! In the future, there will be many such battles, and I can only win, never lose!"

"Baby," Noah began, then hesitated, "remember... you still have me!"

She seemed dismissive, but his genuine concern still warmed her. "I know. I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you, Brother, with many things in the future. When that time comes, please don’t find me a nuisance."

"You could never be a nuisance to me!"

She smiled and said nothing more.

When they arrived at the Johnson Residence and Sienna was about to get out of the car, he suddenly called out to her, "Wait..."

"What is it?" she asked, looking at him, puzzled.

Noah took out a red velvet jewelry box. Opening it, he revealed two diamond earrings lying quietly inside, sparkling like stars.

"You’re missing a pair of earrings."

"A birthday present for me? But you’ve already given me an evening gown."

"These aren’t the main birthday gift. The real birthday gift can only be unveiled at the very last moment. After the party ends, I’ll take you to see it."

Noah looked at Sienna with a deep, shadowed gaze. Sienna smiled. "Brother, I’m really looking forward to this birthday present."

"You’ll like it," he said, looking at her with conviction.

"But I don’t have pierced ears," Sienna said, a little troubled. She touched her ears; without any jewelry, she felt it was somewhat inappropriate for the occasion.

"That’s why I didn’t get you studs. These are clip-ons." He drew her closer, gently lifting her hair to reveal her beautifully shaped ears. When his fingers accidentally brushed her earlobe, he noticed her body tremble slightly. His movements paused for a moment; he took a deep breath and carefully helped her put them on.

Looking at her earlobe, as white as jade, and the graceful curve of her ear, a wave of heat surged through him. He gently caressed it; the touch was exquisite...

He really wanted... to kiss it.

"Are you done yet?" Sienna asked impatiently.

"AHEM, yes," he said, withdrawing his hand. He shifted back against his seat, trying to conceal his discomposure.

"I’m getting out now."

"Do you want me to go in with you?"

"No. It’s my birthday party tonight; you can’t steal my spotlight!"

Noah laughed, a hint of helplessness in his voice. "Don’t worry, no one can steal your spotlight tonight!"

Noah got out of the car, walked over to Sienna’s side, and opened the door for her. He placed his hand above her head to prevent her from bumping it as she got out. Sienna liked gentlemen.

"Thank you."

Sienna didn’t see his flicker of frustration. But as she turned to leave, she bit her lip. Even the earrings were something he had prepared in advance for her. He had already put so much thought into every detail concerning her.

And all she could do in return was feign indifference to his profound tenderness. She couldn’t find any other way to face him.

What on earth should I do about him? For a moment, a flicker of confusion clouded her usually resolute eyes.

The moment Sienna stepped out, she captured everyone’s attention.

Some people possess an innate, noble pride. This unique quality ensures they always become the dazzling focus of attention. This powerful presence, almost domineering, was an arrogance etched into her very soul.

Wherever she went, others would instantly seem to dim in comparison. It was a formidable aura, one that simultaneously attracted and intimidated.

Just then, even Sabrina Johnson could only grind her teeth as she watched Sienna gracefully exit the car. The gown’s openwork patterns and streamlined tailoring accentuated her exquisite figure, while the trailing skirt made her look like a mermaid emerging from the sea. With a perfectly composed smile, she was utterly captivating, instantly drawing every eye.

"Sienna?" Frederick Stewart stared, his gaze also captivated by her.

He had always known she was beautiful, but never had she been as dazzling as she was at this moment.

It had been too long; Frederick almost didn’t recognize his former fiancée.

Sabrina noticed her husband’s rapt attention and fiercely pinched his arm. Gritting her teeth, she warned, "Don’t be fooled by Sienna’s looks! Remember what you did. She’s just waiting for a chance to get back at you."